What Uhuru told global leaders over the Kenya-Somalia boundary dispute

The disputed territory[Source/Twitter/SomaliNews]President Uhuru Kenyatta has told global leaders at the 74th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) of his commitment to resolve the maritime boundary dispute between Kenya and Somalia through negotiations.

“…my administration continues to reach out to the Federal Republic of Somalia in an effort to find an amicable and sustainable solution to the maritime boundary dispute between us. In this regard, I welcome the decision of the African Union Peace and Security Council of 3rd September 2019 that urges both parties to engage.”

Uhuru also acknowledged the use of negotiation as a priority tool is settlement of disputes.

He added: “As we all know, the UN Charter privileges the use of negotiation as the most preferred mechanism for settlement of disputes… It is in this normative framework that informs Kenya’s call for the resolution of this dispute through negotiation.”

The maritime conflict escalated early this year when Somalia accused Kenya of auctioning gas and oil in the said region.

The matter would later land at the International Court of Justice even as various African leaders tried to intervene.

A big puzzle now lands in the hand of Somalia: Will they accept negotiations or they will hang on the International Court of Justice to resolve the dispute?